Originally Posted by
Lemni Skate
This is something I'm not sure of the protocol for.
In my section of Virginia on many occasions I have come upon coolers of "trail magic." They generally have a note with them stating it is trail magic.
I never take any except one time when I actually ran into the guy who left it and he told me to take what I wanted.
I always assumed it was for thru-hikers only and a couple of times when my kids came up on it they were disappointed when I wouldn't let them take any.
I think I got the idea that it was only for thru-hikers when I saw a sign on one that said, "for thru-hikers only."
On my last section hike one of the thru hikers (Miss Muster) told me that was BS, that anybody doing a long hike should take it.
What is the protocol for this?
I would guess that trail magic is probably intended for anyone doing a long hike unless the note says otherwise. Personally, I would never take any if I was just on a day hike or an overnighter unless I was really in NEED of it (dehydrated or something). I just wondered if there are any unwritten rules on this.
Take It.
And I don't mean take a drink, I mean remove the entire cooler from the trail, and dispose of it. I know alot of folks may disagree with this, I am just a messenger and a trail maintainer, I don't make up the rules-suggestions.
The ATC does, see.......... http://www.appalachiantrail.org/site...rail_Magic.htm
The following is from the ATC list for providing trail magic........
See... http://www.appalachiantrail.org/atf/...ions8-3-07.pdf
Be present if you provide food or drink
. Unattended items—including their packaging—can harm wildlife that consumes them, or hikers, when unrefrigerated products grow bacteria or become contaminated. Unattended items are considered litter and their presence detracts from the wildland character of backcountry environments. Dispense food and drink in person, and carry out any trash or leftovers.